Fire at The Coppice hotel in Torquay causes significant damage
- Published
Firefighters were called to The Coppice just before 20:30 GMT on Wednesday
A derelict hotel in Torquay has been left badly damaged after a fire ripped through it on Wednesday night.
Fire crews were called to The Coppice on Barrington Road at about 20:30 GMT and remained until 05:00 on Thursday.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said six engines and two aerial ladder platforms were sent to the hotel, which closed in July 2020.
Local residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut overnight due to smoke.
Firefighters returned to the scene of the blaze to carry out an inspection
Devon and Cornwall Police also attended and no injuries were reported.
A Facebook post from Totnes Fire Station, external said crews attended alongside firefighters from Torquay, Paignton, Newton Abbot and Ivybridge.
Firefighters have since returned to the derelict hotel to conduct an inspection of the site and determine the cause of the fire.
Firefighters said about 70% of the building was damaged by the blaze
Mark Rollings, incident commander from Torquay Fire Station, said crews found the building was "well alight" when they arrived.
He said it was believed about 70% of the building had been damaged.
"Crews worked incredibly hard to get the fire under control fairly swiftly, although the hotel's still significantly damaged," Mr Rollings said.
People living near the derelict hotel said they had been worried about the state of the building since it closed four years ago.
John Witcombe, who lives next door to the site, said he hoped the fire would force Torbay Council to take action in order to protect the building.
John Witcombe hopes Torbay Council takes action to secure The Coppice
Torbay Council has been approached for comment.
A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called by firefighters at 21:10 in order to close the road.
An appeal for information has been issued by the force and anyone with information has been asked to make contact.
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